I think that previous administrations didn't understand what a serious threat terrorism is. Heck, President Bush didn't even realize it until after 9/11.

Have you ever seen the movie "Canadian Bacon?" I know, I know, Michael Moore, but it starred John Candy, and was actually very funny. Anyway, there's a scene in that movie that I think illustrates the pre-9/11 attitude towards terrorists rather well. The President and his staff are sitting around, trying to decide who to fight with, so the weapons plants don't close down, leaving many unemployed. When someone recommends terrorists, everyone in the room scoffs.

I do not even blame President Bush for not being prepared, because no one important took terrorism seriously, so how was he supposed to know? On the other hand, I think the fact that he is now dealing with terrorism is nothing special, bordering on the obvious. Anyone would have done the same, in his shoes.